Chia Hot Chocolate

January 7, 2014

If you live in South Florida, quick…make this hot chocolate because by tomorrow it will be warm weather again! If you live elsewhere, no rush as you most likely have a several more weeks of cold weather. I woke this morning to a real chill in the air, about 50 degrees! We get really excited to open our windows and let in the cold!

I fell in love with Trader Joe’s Sipping Chocolate when I was in Atlanta. Full, very, very rich dark chocolate, honestly just an espresso cup to sip will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. Then over the holidays I had seen a healthy version of hot chocolate that I was wanting to try, but honestly with warm weather, it’s hard to get into the mood. Plus it’s always a balancing act with me over the holidays on where I want to splurge to get the most pleasure from my eating and drinking!

This morning, hot chocolate was calling my name. But with New Year’s resolutions still fresh, it is only January 7 after all and I can’t cheat just yet, healthy was the only option. Don’t misunderstand though, it has to taste good to me. And this one definitely does. I did end up making it a few weeks back when we had a dip in the temp and the memory of its good taste was still on my mind.

The recipe uses unsweetened almond milk; however I first made it with fat free milk and today with banana milk. Being in the new year healthy phase, I’ve been keeping my meals super clean. Making homemade almond milk is on my list; however…..not having a paycheck to fund my cooking adventures, I had to forgo purchasing nuts and use bananas instead!

It had dawned on me the other day when I was a bit discouraged about my funds, that I had made banana milk a lot when my kids were babies. For a treat, I would whip up one banana with about 1 1/2 cups filtered water, a touch of vanilla and fill up their baby bottle! I don’t recall that I sweetened their banana milk back then, however, I do add in a teaspoon of coconut sugar now.

Looks pretty good, huh? I use it right away or refrigerate it for a few hours for a colder drink; I’ve only kept it 1 day, shaken well before using again.

For making the Chia Hot Chocolate, using the banana milk will just give it a slight banana taste, increasing the amount of cocoa pretty much wipes out any banana taste! All together, this is one healthy drink to warm you up inside and out!

Place the chia seeds in the banana milk, cover, refrigerate and allow to soak for about 10 minutes.

Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix on high until you reach an even consistency. Just for one serving, pour into a mug and microwave or gently warm on the stove top. Seriously full of nutrition!!

Share this:

I love being in the kitchen. Early mornings, soft music, a hot espresso. Easing into the preparation of delicious meals. Glancing through cookbooks, gathering inspiration and planning my day. I look forward to the cycles of the seasons, the pleasures of tasting and savoring and sharing this with those dear to me. Weekends are special to me as my week days are often rushed, but still I create the ambiance, light the candles, set the table and uncork the wine.

I have seen it is mighty cold up North! Hawaii does sound good, however, make sure you get a job there first 🙂 Ahh, but is there really a perfect world, perfect place…I have to believe it is where we are right now, no matter our circumstance, life is good…and better with a cup of hot chocolate!

Linda, this hot chocolate is just what I need to sweeten my brisk evening tonight. I am also trying to eat very clean, but you always can do a better job of that any day of the week compared to me! I can’t wait to try this. Looks scrumptious!

I love the fact that this can be cold or hot… and healthy!! I wonder if ice cubes could be added to make it a milkshake… Not that I need a milkshake in these sub zero temperatures right now… 🙂 Lovely recipe!

This is great! I wouldn’t ordinarily think of adding the chia seeds, but what a good idea. I’ll be at Trader Joe’s any day now…and I’ll pick up some of the sipping chocolate. I passed on it last time, and now I wish it were already in my cupboard. 🙂

Your opening sentence made me smile. Cold days were few and far between when I lived in Florida and it was fun to prepare something warming. Now the way I warm up is to head back to Florida for a couple of weeks in the winter. 🙂

Chia seeds in hot chocolate?? That’s a new one! Ha! I put them in my smoothies every morning, but never in a million years would think to put them in hot chocolate. I am really picky about textures…for example, I’m ont into chia pudding….I like it very creamy. So, as long as I could get this really blended well for hot chocolate, I think this could be really yummy!!! I am a huge, HUGE lover of hot chocolate! 🙂

My gosh.. this is healthy, but so yummy looking too! I’m intrigued by the flavors, having never tasted cocoa nibs or made banana milk before. I can see why children would love that! It’s great to have something that tastes so rich and creamy but not loaded with calories. I made a hot chocolate today, but I’m blushing when I think of the calories in mine, lol! Wishing you a wonderful 2014, Linda!! xx